SWALEC Cup preview

SWALEC Cup holders Cross Keys open their defence of their title with a trip to the Gnoll to face six-times winners, Neath on Saturday.

Keys beat the Welsh All Blacks 35-7 at Neath last weekend and will be looking for a third win this season after their resounding 41-10 league success back in September.

Bridgend defeated neighbours Bridgend Athletic 31-3 in the first round with wing Rhys Ward-Jones touching down for a brace. Once again they have been handed Championship opposition with a trip to Bargoed at the second stage but with their opponents riding high at the top of the Championship, it may prove to be a far stiffer obstacle to overcome.

Pontypridd ended Llanelli's hopes of making it 15 SWALEC Cup victories when they travelled to Parc y Scarlets and recorded a 22-14 first round victory. They crossed for three tries and with Dai Flanagan landing two conversions and a penalty, they ended the match comfortable winners. Their reward is a trip to play Tata Steel of the Championship who had a bye in the opening round, and Ponty will be confident of making further progress in a bid to add to their four SWALEC Cup successes.

Cardiff needed a late try from James Thomas to knock the students of Cardiff Met out of the cup at the first stage with a 20-16 scoreline. Cardiff's backs coach Mark Ring was relieved at the end of the game to get the victory that keeps the Blue and Blacks on the cup trail. They have been handed another home fixture in round two against Ebbw Vale who beat fellow Gwent side Newbridge 27-5 in the last round.

This could be a particularly tough game for the Blue and Blacks against the side top of the SWALEC Championship.

Swansea faced RGC1404 in Round One and were made to battle by the newly-formed One East side before going through 29-12. The North Walians found themselves 22-0 down at the interval but they raised their game after the break to cause problems for the Premiership strugglers. The All Whites play Newport next after the Black and Ambers put paid to Bonymaen 95-14.

A brace of tries by scrum half Rhodri Wells and full back Chris Banfield helped Carmarthen Quins beat Narberth 36-15. After moving into a 31-3 lead with the advantage of the wind, Quins were forced back after the interval by the Otters who gave the visitors defence a real test. Quins now play Bedwas who fellow Premiership high fliers Llandovery 17-3 this week.

There will be an all-Championship clash when Glamorgan Wanderers travel to face Blackwood and Aberavon will play Beddau who were both involved in rearranged Round One matches.

SWALEC Cup: Round Two
(Ties to be played weekend of 16 February, 2013)

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Welsh referee Nigel Owens will create history in the opening round of the NatWest 6 Nations clash at Stade de France where France face Ireland, when he surpasses the previous record of 17 Six Nations matches held by Alain Rolland and Jonathan Kaplan, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was in a positive frame of mind at today's NatWest 6 Nations launch but admitted the opening clash in Cardiff was a 'massive' game as everyone is talking about the rise of Scotland.